{What a handsome child! Thranduil is happy to murmur Elvish to his spirited mount, pleased at how those gentle eyes brighten in answer. Yes, the horses here understand that tongue too.
He smiles at Xingchen's reaction, embracing the Man close. They are more than Dominant and Submissive; they are dear friends too.}
How can I tell them no?
{The two stallions are so eager to go! He lets himself into the stall with the Shire horse, introducing himself with gentle caresses and soft encouragement.}
I must see this one ridden daily! His fine muscles shouldn't be given a chance to weaken.
[ Xingchen cares very much for Thranduil - it was one of the reasons he'd offered a permanent contract. There's always a sense of peace and life around the Elf, it draws him near and he sees no reason not to listen.
Seeing his friend is set with the Shire horse, which he'd purchased appropriate tack for in case Thranduil wishes to use them, he turns and moves to his stallion friend and steps in, chuckling fondly as the horse shoves his head gently into his chest to demand affection. Of course he obliges with scritches and rubs! ]
{The care goes both ways. Thranduil would strike down anyone who threatened Xiao Xingchen and, should the Man wish or need it, he has a place in the Greenwood. His palace is large and he is certain Xingchen and his husband could find rooms to their liking.
He smiles at the tack, knowing nothing came cheaply. Once his horse is suitably prepared for a ride, he slips into the same stall as Xingchen and whispers his gratitude into his ear:}
Thank you. When we leave this place, I insist that you and your husband come to Arda with me. It will suit you both.
[ Just as Xingchen would fight to keep Thranduil safe, should it be necessary.
The tack he'd chosen for Thranduil is deceptively well made more than flashy - the price hadn't mattered nearly as much as the quality. He's just settling the last piece onto his spirited but kind stallion when the Elf comes up behind him with those words. The offer catches at his breath and he turns to nuzzle their lips together. ]
I would love to. Your world would be kinder to A-Yang, too. Thank you, my friend.
{Quality is what draws Elven eyes. Thranduil can easily see the tight stitching, the materials used and that the maker had considered the comfort of both the rider and horse! The pieces are beautiful for those reasons.
The little nuzzle has him smiling and he draws Xingchen into his arms again, stroking back his hair.}
The forest would protect him. He could journey as far as he liked and never encounter a foe.
[ There's a reason Xingchen had focused any money he had on the perfect sword, on his Shuanghua, rather than clothing, or food, or even lodging. Why that sword is the best possession he has.
He happily steps back into those arms, curling his around Thranduil's waist to enjoy the comfort of the embrace. ]
There are so many things he hasn't experienced that would do him good. Your world would be better suited to it. He would have many more, better chances there. And I would be happy to stay at his side, and continue to spend time with you.
{Shuanghua is the perfect sword companion for Xingchen. Thranduil too has admired that blade, but not just because of the make. Shuanghua feels like Xingchen - something Xiao Yang noticed long ago. When the Man is missed, there is comfort in holding it.}
What about your chances? You seek to better a world, do you not? There are many who need your guidance in mine. I can give you horses or elks to ride.
[ That is precisely why Shuanghua has a place in the meditation room, so those he trusts can study it - those who have free roam in his home. ]
I do. That has always been my desire and goal. Even when I had little else...I kept doing what I thought was helping others.
[ Except he'd been tricked, and he'd been blind to see it. He takes a breath and sets the guilt aside, taking comfort in the strong arms wrapped around him. ]
...I would love to ride an elk - I have never seen one before. But your memory of them makes me very curious.
{And the sword is protected - almost as well as Xingchen himself! Thranduil and Xiao Yang in particular won't let it go missing.}
Do not give into despair. That is what the Enemy wants. You are a source of great good and you have a talent in teaching others. I will protect you and aid you so that you can reach those most in need.
{He tightens his arms around Xingchen, giving him a brief shield from the world.}
They are very like a horse, though, with their antlers, they can cut down a line of foes. My herd is intelligent - beyond what one might expect of their breed - and they are much larger than normal elk. I enjoy walking among them. You will too.
[ He knows his Shuanghua won't go missing. It hasn't even crossed his mind to think it!
He listens to the strength and reassurance, listens to the bid to not give in and lose heart. He'd done that once before, and lost himself. He tightens his embrace in answer, smiling gently up at the Elf. ]
How can I give in to despair when I have those like you supporting me? I know there is more for me to do now. And when we're in your world, we will help so many people. Together.
[ He listens happily to the description given of the herd of elk. ]
They sound protective, just as you are. A perfect match.
{He had given into despair too. A foolish move since his kingdom and his people and, most importantly, his son had needed him. Nothing was gained during that time and so many opportunities were lost.
Thranduil wants better for Xingchen. He cups one of the Man's cheeks with his hand and murmurs:}
I will be tempted to send a small army with you - to keep you safe! But that won't aid you much in your quest.
{He smiles to himself and presses his lips to Xingchen's brow.}
Any world can be thoughtless and cruel. I seek to lessen those qualities where I am able.
Xingchen leans into the hand, nuzzling it a little with a fond little smile. ]
I would not go alone. I would have A-Yang, and our elk friends to keep us safe, as well as our own skills. That is part of the point of going out in a small group, an army can be too unwieldy.
[ He hums at the sweet kiss to his forehead, eyes closing briefly as he enjoys the affection. ]
He would. Just as I would fight for him, and for you.
[ Xingchen moves with the gentle nudge, hands resting on his stallion's neck and the saddle. The hands at his waist make him smile and he moves with Thranduil's lift to settle easily into the saddle. The fact it wasn't needed doesn't matter, he adores the quiet signs of being cared for. ]
{He smiles, pleased, when Xingchen is settled on his saddle. Then he leaps, as if gravity doesn't matter, onto his horse's back. He lands so lightly that the horse gives a little start when he grabs hold of the reins. When did he come back?!}
You needn't fight for me. I have seen many battles.
{And he might see more, though his heart is sickened at the possibility.}
Lead on; your stallion knows the way better. My youngling is the student.
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no subject
He smiles at Xingchen's reaction, embracing the Man close. They are more than Dominant and Submissive; they are dear friends too.}
How can I tell them no?
{The two stallions are so eager to go! He lets himself into the stall with the Shire horse, introducing himself with gentle caresses and soft encouragement.}
I must see this one ridden daily! His fine muscles shouldn't be given a chance to weaken.
no subject
Seeing his friend is set with the Shire horse, which he'd purchased appropriate tack for in case Thranduil wishes to use them, he turns and moves to his stallion friend and steps in, chuckling fondly as the horse shoves his head gently into his chest to demand affection. Of course he obliges with scritches and rubs! ]
He'll love it. As will you, I am sure.
no subject
He smiles at the tack, knowing nothing came cheaply. Once his horse is suitably prepared for a ride, he slips into the same stall as Xingchen and whispers his gratitude into his ear:}
Thank you. When we leave this place, I insist that you and your husband come to Arda with me. It will suit you both.
no subject
The tack he'd chosen for Thranduil is deceptively well made more than flashy - the price hadn't mattered nearly as much as the quality. He's just settling the last piece onto his spirited but kind stallion when the Elf comes up behind him with those words. The offer catches at his breath and he turns to nuzzle their lips together. ]
I would love to. Your world would be kinder to A-Yang, too. Thank you, my friend.
no subject
The little nuzzle has him smiling and he draws Xingchen into his arms again, stroking back his hair.}
The forest would protect him. He could journey as far as he liked and never encounter a foe.
no subject
He happily steps back into those arms, curling his around Thranduil's waist to enjoy the comfort of the embrace. ]
There are so many things he hasn't experienced that would do him good. Your world would be better suited to it. He would have many more, better chances there. And I would be happy to stay at his side, and continue to spend time with you.
no subject
What about your chances? You seek to better a world, do you not? There are many who need your guidance in mine. I can give you horses or elks to ride.
no subject
I do. That has always been my desire and goal. Even when I had little else...I kept doing what I thought was helping others.
[ Except he'd been tricked, and he'd been blind to see it. He takes a breath and sets the guilt aside, taking comfort in the strong arms wrapped around him. ]
...I would love to ride an elk - I have never seen one before. But your memory of them makes me very curious.
no subject
Do not give into despair. That is what the Enemy wants. You are a source of great good and you have a talent in teaching others. I will protect you and aid you so that you can reach those most in need.
{He tightens his arms around Xingchen, giving him a brief shield from the world.}
They are very like a horse, though, with their antlers, they can cut down a line of foes. My herd is intelligent - beyond what one might expect of their breed - and they are much larger than normal elk. I enjoy walking among them. You will too.
no subject
He listens to the strength and reassurance, listens to the bid to not give in and lose heart. He'd done that once before, and lost himself. He tightens his embrace in answer, smiling gently up at the Elf. ]
How can I give in to despair when I have those like you supporting me? I know there is more for me to do now. And when we're in your world, we will help so many people. Together.
[ He listens happily to the description given of the herd of elk. ]
They sound protective, just as you are. A perfect match.
no subject
Thranduil wants better for Xingchen. He cups one of the Man's cheeks with his hand and murmurs:}
I will be tempted to send a small army with you - to keep you safe! But that won't aid you much in your quest.
{He smiles to himself and presses his lips to Xingchen's brow.}
Any world can be thoughtless and cruel. I seek to lessen those qualities where I am able.
no subject
Xingchen leans into the hand, nuzzling it a little with a fond little smile. ]
I would not go alone. I would have A-Yang, and our elk friends to keep us safe, as well as our own skills. That is part of the point of going out in a small group, an army can be too unwieldy.
[ He hums at the sweet kiss to his forehead, eyes closing briefly as he enjoys the affection. ]
We are the same, in that respect.
no subject
Your Yang will fight with his teeth if he must for your sake, that I know.
{Thranduil nudges Xingchen to his stallion and places his hands on the Man's waist, preparing to lift him.}
There is a reason we are a fine match.
no subject
He would. Just as I would fight for him, and for you.
[ Xingchen moves with the gentle nudge, hands resting on his stallion's neck and the saddle. The hands at his waist make him smile and he moves with Thranduil's lift to settle easily into the saddle. The fact it wasn't needed doesn't matter, he adores the quiet signs of being cared for. ]
Yes. Many reasons.
no subject
You needn't fight for me. I have seen many battles.
{And he might see more, though his heart is sickened at the possibility.}
Lead on; your stallion knows the way better. My youngling is the student.